M85

Greetings,
It's been a while since I've posted, but glad to be back. I've recently come to find out that an M85 is available and would like to obtain any information available.

The sn is O0282f and it's in an OD green stock. It has the original bipod, sling, and rings.

Please let me know if there is any other info I can provide.

Many thanks,
Ari

Ari,
I can confirm that Parker Hale M85 serial number 00282F was completed on the 27th April 1987, and built by Eddie Taff Chief Engineer.
It fired a 14.5mm group @100 yards with 10 rounds.
No scope was ordered or fitted with this order.

It was built into a GREEN NATO stock and sold to the German Army under contract 10682 with 4 other M85 rifles.......232F/259F/281F/275F all were supplied without scopes fitted.
That is all the information recorded in the PH records

Gil

Gil,
Many thanks! That info is absolutely priceless! We're extremely lucky to have someone that has access to this info and is willing to share it.

One of the others in that batch Parker Hale M85

Very nice! Does anyone have a line on where I could source the one piece scope mount and an appropriate scope?

Ari,

There are a few about but I would suggest Richard at Devizes Guns here's the link:
The Devizes Gunsmith and Gunshop - (RWS Engineering)

Gil

Here's a photo of this beauty!

Great rifles, same colour as mine...............enjoy it.

I had 00232F until recently, it came with a Schmidt & Bender ZF 10x42

If you have pictures, I would definitely like to see them

Here you go:

Very nice! Now I have to hunt for a scope and case

Been looking for the one-piece Parker Hale scope mount and correct scope for my M85. I reached out to Devizes gunsmith several months ago. He mentioned he may be able to help, but communication has ceased. I'm sure he's busy as hell.

Anyway, I thought I would throw it out there and see if anyone has a lead.

The one piece M85 Parker Hale scope mount is as rare as hen's teeth. I'm looking for one for a friend. Anybody know what a guy would have to pay? Source? Ron (Canada).

Ron,
Very difficult on prices currently, especially for smaller parts.

You have a real chance if you contact:

Norman Clark Gunsmiths Ltd
19 Somers Rd,
Rugby,
CV22 7DG
Tel (001)1788 579651

Norman Clark Gunsmiths

Don't give up the search...........Good luck.......they are out there!;)

Gil - Norman Clark has been contact. They have not had one in many years. sure one will surface if I ask enough times. Thanks for the advice. Ron (Canada)

Damn fine rig you have there Gil makes me jealous it would have made a fine weapons system had not the AW system beat it by "a slim margin".

As a side note Gil I have a 1957 230pp Parker Hale sales catalog coming seeing as I am from that vintage will be good to see some of the prices from back then Parker Hale charged, I will post a few pics when I get it here.

Cinders that would be good mate. I have to say it never misses the centre and far better than my AI AW on that illusive first cold shot...........I know in Afghanistan the Snipers had the luxury of many a shot from one location, but sadly not in my day, and the basis I have always said, it was one shot and thats your lot............then make haste and bugger off quick time, because you were definately on your tod!!!

Ron, Next stop Fultons at Bisley they have a few bits in. If you need their details let me know.;)

Send them through Gil pls.

Here you go:

G.E. Fulton & Son,
Bisley Camp,
Brookwood,
WOKING,
Surrey
GU24 0NZ,
United Kingdom

Tel: +44(0)1483 473204

Email: gefulton@outlook.com

I have been reading this thread with interest as I own M85 serial number 00232F. It's a real tack driver and one of the most accurate rifles I own. I would like to change the scope as I have the same S&B as Gil's, but the mount on my M85 the rings are too small. I am not optimistic about getting a correct mount. Also, the green metal transit case is on my wish list if anyone has one? I have attached a few pictures. The target picture was the last time I used it at Bisley, I can't remember the distance I think it was 300 Century.

Steve1152 What scope are you planning on using? Very clean M85. Have you researched it's history - Gil could look this up in the records. Ron (Canada).

Hi Ron

I would like to change the scope to another S&B 2.5-10. I have attached a couple of pictures. This scope is currently on my M82. The current scope on my M85 has a 25mm tube. The one I want to use has a 30mm tube. Thats my problem. I want a one piece mount not the two rings on my M82.

I do have some limited history on the M85:

Parker Hale Records Show:
M85 Rifle Serial Number: 00232F was manufactured and finished on the 8th of April 1987 by Eddie Taff (Senior Armourer at Parker Hale)
No Scope fitted customer to source
Accuracy Test: Shooting 12.8mm at 100 yards with 10 rounds
Fitted with NATO Green stock
Sold to Bundeswehr, Germany Military Order

You could look at a 30mm one piece tactical mounts. You're going to need some extra height to mount the S&B Variable. Could nice rifles. Is the M82 triggerguard steel or aluminum? Looking for one so just asking/ Ron (Canada)

Hi Ron

The M82 trigger guard is aluminum.

Steve 1152


I dont think PH ever did a 30mm one pice mount, but i belive they did do two ring mount RHAS 5 (https://www.emma-rifles.co.uk/produc...m-scope-rings/).
Sporting Services has a set of 34mm as shown in the picture below.
https://www.milsurps.com/attachment....80&cid=1&stc=1

Anybody got a cheek riser and rod for the M85 for sale or swap? I have the butt plate.;)

DanL96a1 A bit late but many thanks for the tip on the scope rings. It's much appreciated you took the time to let me know. Steve

Steve,
I have been promised a load of metal cases mate, so wait out as I will only be advertising them on THIS site for sale with either the AI foam cuts or PH cuts for M85.

I sold my M85 last week to someone who will make himself known if he wishes on the site. It was a sad day because, like you mate, it was probably the best all round sniper rifle I held but it had to go with lots of other stuff I'm afraid for variety of reasons.

If people are reading this and haven't got one, go shoot one, you'll be looking for one straight away. A few have come up this week so have a look round they are out there, in their basic form, ie no PELI case or Metal case and M14 mags etc.